Outbreak Alert: Monkeypox Cases Reported in Islamabad

 Health authorities in Islamabad have reported a cluster of monkeypox cases in the city, raising concerns about the potential spread of the rare viral disease. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, at least 10 people have been diagnosed with monkeypox in the past week, and more cases may emerge as the investigation continues.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is similar to but less severe than smallpox. The virus is endemic in central and West African countries, where sporadic outbreaks occur among humans and animals, especially rodents and primates. Monkeypox can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or their fluids, such as blood, saliva, or pus, or through contact with contaminated surfaces or materials. Human-to-human transmission can also occur through respiratory droplets or close contact with infected individuals, although this is less common.

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The symptoms of monkeypox usually appear within 5 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, headache, muscle aches, backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. A rash then develops, often beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body, with lesions that progress from macules to papules to pustules, similar to smallpox. Unlike smallpox, however, monkeypox lesions may also appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and they may be accompanied by painful nodules in the armpit, groin, or other areas.

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, and the disease is usually self-limited, meaning that it resolves on its own within a few weeks. However, supportive care can help relieve the symptoms and prevent complications, such as bacterial superinfection of the skin lesions or pneumonia. Vaccination against smallpox, which also provides cross-protection against monkeypox, can reduce the risk of severe disease and death, although it is not routinely recommended for the general population.

The outbreak in Islamabad is the first recorded in Pakistan, and its origin is unclear. The affected individuals are being isolated and treated in designated hospitals, and their contacts are being traced and monitored for any signs of illness. The Ministry of National Health Services has advised the public to avoid contact with animals, especially rodents and primates, and to practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to reduce the risk of infection. The ministry also urged healthcare workers to be vigilant for any suspected cases and to follow infection prevention and control measures to avoid nosocomial transmission.

In conclusion, the monkeypox outbreak in Islamabad highlights the ongoing threat of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, which can arise from various sources and pose significant health and socioeconomic impacts. While the current outbreak seems to be contained, it underscores the need for robust surveillance, preparedness, and response systems to detect and manage such outbreaks promptly and effectively. As the world faces multiple health challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of global health security cannot be overstated.